I wasn’t sure about the Douglas fir-infused chantilly but, like other delicious instances during this hot chocolate festival, I was pleasantly surprised. Also something else I discovered over the last few weeks: chocolate + maple syrup = killer combination.

The King’s Cup – Ode to Elvis: Hot chocolate with peanut butter and banana served with a macaron or cookie.

Inspired by what was purportedly Elvis’s favorite treat (fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches), this delectable drink combines all three ingredients to tasty effect. The peanut crumble rim was genius.

I actually had it with almond milk instead and it was quite good, with just enough spice to catch the back of your throat but not linger too long.

*

My final tally: 36 out of 60 flavors sampled. Given that the festival was only 27 days long, I consider that a pretty respectable score. And, now that it’s finally over, it’s time to pick my Top 5 Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2013 Favorites. Drum roll, please…

I was leery at first. Hot chocolate topped with shards of honey nougat? I love particulates (that’s what they call ‘em) in my ice cream, but in my drinking chocolate? Well, they turned out to be a wonderful little textural addition to the drink. I am now a hot chocolate particulate convert!

As a personal rule, fruit and chocolate don’t mix – and yet, inexplicably, defying all logic, it works perfectly here. Coming in at #2 (and, incidentally, Akemi’s #1):

Armoury Amour:Cocoa Barry “Madirofolo”– a single plantation chocolate, kissed with raspberry and served with a mini lemon and basil ice cream sandwich.

Well, damn, this was a surprise! I’m not a fan of the fruit-chocolate combo and find raspberry a particularly reprehensible partner but this heavenly creation sang. Akemi’s overall favorite so far and a definite Top 3 finisher for yours truly. Loved the raspberry sugar rim.

Which brings us to my favorite hot chocolate of the festival. At #1:

Jasmine:64% dark chocolate – origin: Ecuador. Infused with jasmine and served with choice of chocolate square.

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